Building Efficiency Coalition Supports Senate Bill 94

 
For Immediate Release - Wednesday, Feb. 21, 2007

Contact:
Elizabeth Courtney, Vermont Natural Resources Council: 223-2328 x 116
James Moore, Vermont Public Interest Research Group: 223-5221 x 4077
Andrea Cohen, Vermont Businesses for Social Responsibility: 862-8347
Elizabeth Chant, Central Vermont Office of Economic Opportunity, Weatherization Program: 482-4180 x302
Hal Cohen, Director Central Vermont Community Action Coalition: 479-1053 x 157

A Building Efficiency Coalition, representing businesses, advocacy groups, environmental organizations and individuals today announced their support for Senate Bill 94, sponsored by Senators Ginny Lyons, Ann Cummings, and Peter Shumlin.

“We said we would take action on climate change, and that is exactly what this bill will do” said Senator Shumlin. “It will get Vermonters the resources they need to maximize energy efficiency in their homes and businesses. And it will help Vermont show the nation how to start turning the curve on global warming.”

Senator Ginny Lyons, Chair of the Senate Natural Resources and Energy Committee said: “Vermont is an energy leader. We need to continue leading. This bill expands the excellent work Efficiency Vermont is already doing and draws on the expertise we have built in Vermont’s very effective program to weatherize the homes of low income and working Vermonters.” Action on the bill will start in her Committee.

“S. 94 is about investing in Vermont, creating new jobs for Vermonters, and keeping dollars in our state” said Senator Ann Cummings, Chair of the Senate Finance Committee. “It means we will be able to serve working and elderly Vermonters who do not now get efficiency help.”

James Moore, of Vermont Public Interest Research Group, speaking on behalf of the Coalition, said: “Governor Douglas’s Department of Public Service just released a study saying Vermonters could save four hundred and eighty-six million dollars over the next ten years by tightening up their homes and businesses. Passing S. 94 would mean Vermonters can get help from Efficiency Vermont to lower our heating fuel bills as well as our electric bills”

“The Study said there will be four dollars of benefit for Vermont to every dollar invested. At the same time, this is one of the biggest single steps we can take to reduce Vermont’s contribution to global warming” he continued.

Elizabeth Chant, Director of the Champlain Valley Office of Economic Opportunity Weatherization Program described how the Low Income Weatherization program keeps money in the community and creates decent jobs for working Vermonters. “These services need to be made available to people who are not now eligible for the program” she said.

Hal Cohen, of Central Vermont Community Action Council spoke about strengthening the Low Income Weatherization Trust Fund. “Vermont is a leader in this area, but we need to increase the flexibility of this program so it can respond to dramatically increasing energy costs.

Several businesses spoke about the opportunity for fossil fuel efficiency in both retail and industrial settings. Paul Comey of Green Mountain Coffee Roasters in Waterbury described his company’s conversion to an efficient roasting system fired by propane, and their success in using the remaining heat for other uses in the building.

Over twenty organizations, businesses and leaders have signed on to support the legislation.